Shuttle orbiter radar cross-sectional analysis

Theoretical and model simulation studies on signal to noise levels and shuttle radar cross section are described. Pre-mission system calibrations, system configuration, and postmission system calibration of the tracking radars are described. Conversion of target range, azimuth, and elevation into radar centered east north vertical position coordinates are evaluated. The location of the impinging rf energy with respect to the target vehicles body axis triad is calculated. Cross section correlation between the two radars is presented

Antenna and radome loss measurements for MFMR and PMIS with appendix on MFMR/PMIS computer programs

The NMSU/PSL radiometer antenna calibration facility is described, and the antenna and radome loss measurements made on the passive microwave imaging system and the multifrequency microwave radiometer are summarized. Antenna/radome data reduction techniques, estimation of sky brightness temperatures, and bucket performance tests are presented along with radiometer computer programs

Software development for the VLA-GDSCC telemetry array project

Software for the VLA-GDSCC Telemetry Array (VGTA) Project is being developed in a new manner. Within the Radio Frequency and Microwave Subsystems Section, most microprocessor software has been developed using Intel hardware and software development systems. The VGTA software, however, is being developed using IBM PCs running consumer-oriented software. Utility software and procedures have been generated which allow the software developed on the IBM PCs to be transferred and run on a multibus 8086 computer

A superior process for forming titanium hydrogen isotopic films

Process forms stoichiometric, continuous, strongly bonded titanium hydrogen isotopic films. Films have thermal and electrical conductivities approximately the same as bulk pure titanium, ten times greater than those of usual thin films

Mapping the Berry Curvature from Semiclassical Dynamics in Optical Lattices

We propose a general method by which experiments on ultracold gases can be used to determine the topological properties of the energy bands of optical lattices, as represented by the map of the Berry curvature across the Brillouin zone. The Berry curvature modifies the semiclassical dynamics and hence the trajectory of a wave packet undergoing Bloch oscillations. However, in two dimensions these trajectories may be complicated Lissajous-like figures, making it difficult to extract the effects of Berry curvature in general. We propose how this can be done using a "time-reversal" protocol. This compares the velocity of a wave packet under positive and negative external force, and allows a clean measurement of the Berry curvature over the Brillouin zone. We discuss how this protocol may be implemented and explore the semiclassical dynamics for three specific systems: the asymmetric hexagonal lattice, and two "optical flux" lattices in which the Chern number is nonzero. Finally, we discuss general experimental considerations for observing Berry curvature effects in ultracold gases.Comment: 12 page

Remote profiling of lake ice using an S-band short pulse radar aboard an all-terrain vehicle

An airborne short-pulse radar system to measure ice thickness was designed. The system supported an effort to develop an all-weather Great Lakes Ice Information System to aid in extending the winter navigation season. Experimental studies into the accuracy and limitations of the system are described. A low power version was operated from an all-terrain vehicle on the Straits of Mackinac during March 1975. The vehicle allowed rapid surveying of large areas and eliminated the ambiguity in location between the radar system and the ground truth ice auger team. It was also possible to the effects of snow cover, surface melt water, pressure ridging, and ice type upon the accuracy of the system. Over 25 sites were explored which had ice thicknesses from 29 to 60 cm. The maximum radar overestimate was 9.8 percent, while the maximum underestimate was 6.6 percent. The average error of the 25 measurements was 0.1 percent

Measurement of lake ice thickness with a short-pulse radar system

Measurements of lake ice thickness were made during March 1975 at the Straits of Mackinac by using a short-pulse radar system aboard an all-terrain vehicle. These measurements were compared with ice thicknesses determined with an auger. Over 25 sites were explored which had ice thicknesses in the range 29 to 60 cm. The maximum difference between radar and auger measurements was less than 9.8 percent. The magnitude of the error was less than + or - 3.5 cm. The NASA operating short-pulse radar system used in monitoring lake ice thickness from an aircraft is also described

The use of Kodak aerochrome infrared color film, type 2443, as a remote sensing tool

An infrared color film, Kodak Aerochrome, type 2443, has replaced the 8443 film. The 2443 has lower contrast than the 8443 film, and allows deeper probing into areas that appear as solid black shadows on the 8443 film. The cyan layer of 2443 is approximately 1 1/2 stops slower, at a density of 1.4, than the yellow and magenta emulsion layers